Director, Title III at Virginia Union University – Richmond, Virginia

About Company:

Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and one Doctoral degree. Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders.

Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.

About the Role:

The Director of Title III plays a pivotal role in overseeing and managing federally funded initiatives and grants, specifically those under Title III, to support institutional development and student success. This leadership position is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal regulations, optimizing program effectiveness, and fostering collaboration across departments to maximize funding opportunities. The director will strategically guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of sponsored programs to align with the institution’s mission and goals. They will serve as the primary liaison between the institution and federal agencies, ensuring accurate reporting and stewardship of funds. Ultimately, this role drives the growth and sustainability of sponsored programs, enhancing the institution’s capacity to serve its diverse student population and community stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in education, public administration, business, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience managing federally funded programs or grants, preferably within higher education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Title III regulations and federal grant compliance requirements.
• Strong project management skills with experience overseeing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing grant proposals and reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in education administration, public administration, or a related discipline.
• Experience working in an academic environment with a focus on student success and institutional development.
• Proficiency with grant management software and financial reporting systems.
• Experience leading teams and providing professional development related to sponsored programs.
• Familiarity with other federal funding sources and regulations beyond Title III.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, development, and administration of Title III and other sponsored programs, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and federal guidelines.
• Manage grant proposal development, submission, and post-award activities, including budgeting, compliance monitoring, and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units to identify funding opportunities and support faculty and staff in grant writing and program implementation.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of all required documentation to federal agencies, maintaining accurate records and ensuring timely compliance.
• Provide training and guidance to staff and stakeholders on grant management best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor program performance and outcomes, preparing detailed reports and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Represent the institution at meetings, conferences, and with external partners to promote sponsored programs and foster strategic partnerships.

Skills:

The Director will utilize their project management and organizational skills daily to coordinate complex grant activities and ensure compliance with federal regulations. Strong communication skills are essential for preparing compelling proposals, detailed reports, and for effectively liaising with federal agencies and institutional stakeholders. Analytical skills are applied to monitor program outcomes and financial data, enabling informed decision-making and continuous improvement. Leadership and interpersonal skills are critical for guiding teams, fostering collaboration, and providing training on grant management best practices. Additionally, proficiency with grant management software enhances efficiency in tracking deadlines, budgets, and reporting requirements, supporting the overall success of sponsored programs.